Image Display Apparatus

ABSTRACT

An image display apparatus ( 10 ) comprising a backing panel ( 12 ), a first raised portion ( 14 ) located on the backing panel ( 12 ), the first raised portion ( 14 ) having an image ( 18 ) for display secured thereon; a second raised portion ( 16 ) located on the backing panel ( 12 ), the second raised portion ( 16 ) having an upper surface ( 20 ) upon which is secured content ( 22 ) for display; and a third raised portion ( 36 ) located on the backing panel ( 12 ), wherein the second raised portion ( 16 ) is arranged adjacent to the first raised portion ( 14 ) and the third raised portion ( 36 ) has at least one inner edge arranged to surround a perimeter of the first raised portion and the second raised portion arrangement ( 14, 16 ) such that the first raised portion and the second raised portion arrangement ( 14, 16 ) is located within, and spaced apart from, said third raised portion ( 36 ) to create a channel ( 30 ) therebetween.

The present invention relates to image display apparatus and more specifically to improved apparatus for mounting an image for display purposes and also for ensuring visible attribution of the image and preventing the copying of, or passing off, a displayed image.

It is commonplace to mark important events in the lives of friends and relatives by having a professional photographer record these events on film or digitally. In addition, photography as an art from is becoming increasingly popular with limited photographic prints commanding large prices in the art market. When a photographer records events on film, this film is subsequently developed in a laboratory, or by the photographer, or digital images are reviewed, and appropriate prints are chosen for mounting in a framing arrangement in order that they may be put on display. Such a framing arrangement can be seen in FIGS. 1 a and 1 b where the constituent parts of the framing arrangement are shown. Such framing arrangements have become the standard method of securing a photograph for display.

Traditionally, there are two methods of framing images. Firstly, a frame goes over the outer edge of the image and the image is framed by the inner edge of the frame. Secondly, the frame is provided with additional elements such as a mounting sheet and glass.

FIGS. 1( a) and 1(b) show an example of a prior art image framing arrangement A. FIG. 1( a) is a cross sectional side view of the arrangement and shows a frame B with a flange C. An image D and mounting sheet E are held between a glass piece F and backing panel G, the backing G being held in place with clips H at the bottom and by the flange C of the frame B at the top; in addition, all items except the image abut against the side of the frame B below and perpendicular to the flange C The image is secured to the mounting sheet E with adhesive and the inner perimeter of the mounting sheet E defines and image area I where the image is viewable. Frames of this type require the image to be rear mounted which involves much skill in properly aligning the image and ensuring that the final product is dust free. Additionally, they can easily be disassembled and the image may be removed and illegally copied.

UK Patent GB 2424832B describes an image display apparatus which includes a frame and a support member having a raised portion upon which an image, such as a photograph, can be mounted. Securing means are provided for securing the frame to the support member such that the frame surrounds the raised portion. The area of the raised portion may be smaller than the inner area of the frame to provide a gap between the frame and the raised portion, to give the impression of the image floating in the frame. The image may be secured to the raised portion by an adhesive layer to prevent removal for copying. A method for front mounting an image in a frame is also disclosed. In PCT/GB2011/051466 an improved image display apparatus has been created which includes a mounting arrangement which provides the image enhancement of a traditional mounting sheet.

These prior art image display apparatus have advantages over the traditional frame of FIGS. 1( a) and 1(b) by providing a front loading picture frame in which it is easier to centre the image; which creates a shadow gap between the frame and the image to make the image appear to be floating, and which aids in preventing copying as the image is secured in the frame.

However, the image display apparatus of GB2424832B and PCT/GB2011/051466 have a major disadvantage in that for photographers or artists, using these prior art display apparatus to display their work, it is necessary for them to sign the surface of their artwork, which can in some cases deface or obscure part of the work of art.

In traditional framing arrangements such as that shown in FIGS. 1( a), 1(b), the artist or photographer can sign the mount surrounding their artwork. However, when the frame is disassembled, either through time or as part of a malicious act, the mount can be removed from around the artwork leaving it without the makers mark. This can reduce the value of the art, or leave it vulnerable to unattributed copying. Alternatively, the maker can sign the back of the work of art, however, once again, should the work be copied illegally, there would be no way of the makers mark being visible and whilst on display the makers mark will not be visible to the viewer.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an image display apparatus which obviates or mitigates at least one of the foregoing problems or issues of the prior art arrangements.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an image display apparatus, the apparatus comprising a backing panel, a first raised portion located on the panel, the first raised portion having an image for display secured thereon; a second raised portion located on the panel, the second raised portion having an upper surface upon which is secured content for display; and a third raised portion located on the panel, wherein the second raised portion is arranged adjacent to the first raised portion and each third raised portion has at least one inner edge arranged to surround a perimeter of the first raised portion and the second raised portion arrangement such that the first raised portion and the second raised portion arrangement is located within, and spaced apart from, said third raised portion to create a channel therebetween.

In this way, the arrangement of the second raised portion ensures that content, such as maker information and image data is incorporated within the image display apparatus. An arrangement of said first and second raised platforms formed in this way means that the inclusion of the content within the image display apparatus aids in preventing passing off of the work as that of another artist or having the work wrongly attributed in future. This security feature and verification of ownership can help maintain the value of the work of art. As this content is arranged separate from the image being displayed, it does not detract from, or deface, the image. This helps maintain the value and appearance of the image being displayed. In addition, the channel created between the third raised portion and the arrangement of the first raised portion and second raised portion will create a shadow gap which means that the image provided on the first raised portion and content provided on the second raised portion will appear to be floating thus accentuating the image and content. As the image display apparatus front loaded, the image display apparatus also aids in preventing illegal copying.

Preferably, a first edge second raised portion is arranged adjacent to a first edge of the first raised portion such that the second raised portion abuts against the first raised portion. In this way, the second raised portion can be arranged to enhance the appearance of the image displayed on the first raised portion.

Alternatively, the first edge of the second raised portion is arranged adjacent to and spaced apart from the first edge of a first raised portion to create a channel therebetween. In this arrangement, the channel created between the first raised portion and second raised portion will create a shadow gap which will accentuate the image.

Optionally, there may be a fourth raised portion having an upper surface upon which is secured a display panel, the fourth raised portion is arranged adjacent to the first raised portion on an opposite side to the second raised portion and each third raised portion has at least one inner edge arranged to surround a perimeter of the first raised portion, the second raised portion and the fourth raised portion arrangement such that the first raised portion, the second raised portion and the fourth raised portion arrangement is located within, and spaced apart from, said third raised portion to create a channel therebetween.

In this way, the display apparatus can be graphically balanced when the display panel and the content for display are of the same dimensions. The mounting panel may include further content for display.

Preferably, said first, second and fourth raised portions are formed of any suitable rigid durable material. In this way, the image display apparatus is robust. Each first, second and fourth raised portions may be formed from a sheet of plastic such as Perspex® or from other materials including but not limited to wood and cardboard. The first, second, and fourth if used, raised portions may be formed as a single portion for ease of construction.

Optionally, the third raised portion is formed of two or more component portions.

Preferably, said two or more component portions are abutted together to form at the third raised portion. By abutting the component portions together any visible join lines created by the assembly of the component portions to form a third raised portion are minimised.

Preferably, the third raised portion has an upper surface to which a mounting panel is secured. The mounting panel secured to the third raised portion may be formed from one continuous piece of mounting panel material. By securing a mounting panel, formed of a single piece of mounting panel material, to a third raised portion formed on two or more component portions, any visible join lines created by the abutment of said two or more component portions may be hidden.

Alternatively, each mounting panel may be formed of one or more panel components abutted together.

Further the component portions may be separated and the mounting panel or panel components used to bridge between the component portions. This saves on material as the component portions will not be on view.

By forming the third raised portion and/or mounting panel in components the cost of manufacture will be decreased as multiple components can be obtained from a single sheet of material. As well as significantly reducing the cost of manufacture, this will also be a more environmentally friendly way of creating the apparatus as the waste created during manufacture will be minimised.

Each mounting panel may have at least one inner edge arranged to surround a perimeter of the first raised portion and second raised portion such that the image and content is located within and spaced apart from a mounting panel such that a channel is created therebetween. Alternatively, each mounting panel may have at least one inner edge arranged to surround a perimeter of the first, second and fourth raised portions that the image, display panel and content is located within and spaced apart from a mounting panel such that a channel is created therebetween.

Preferably the image is arranged to overhang the edge of the first raised portion. This increases the apparent floating effect.

Preferably the content is arranged to overhang the edge of the second raised portion. This increases the apparent floating effect.

Preferably the mounting panel is arranged to overhang edge of the third raised portion. This increases the apparent floating effect.

Preferably the display panel is arranged to overhang the edge of the second raised portion. This increases the apparent floating effect.

Preferably, the image, content, display panel, and mounting panel all include at least a layer of a suitable rigid durable material. In this way, the image display apparatus is robust. Preferably the image, content and display panel have a sheet of clear Perspex® located upon them. The securing of Perspex® or other plastic to an image, card or other material is known to those skilled in the art. In this way, the image, content and display panel are protected without requiring a glass sheet. Preferably also, the mounting panel is formed from a sheet of plastic such as Perspex®. Suitable materials such as plastics and solid resin are easy to cut and handle while being rigid and their edges may be polished to provide an aesthetically pleasing, clean appearance. By making the image, content, display panel and mounting panel all of the same material an aesthetically pleasing appearance is given to the display apparatus while providing durability, robustness and ease of cleaning.

Preferably, the backing panel is formed of a rigid durable material. In this way, the apparatus is robust and can be used without a frame. Optionally, the apparatus includes a frame, the frame being secured to the backing panel and sized to provide a channel between the outer edge of the third raised portion and the inner edge of the frame.

Furthermore, the channel created removes the necessity for a mounting panel to be cut to a close level of tolerance to meet the outer edge of the frame thus further reducing costs and simplifying production.

The backing panel may be formed of a sheet of plastic such as Perspex®, such materials are easy to cut and handle while being rigid. A user can select any colour which accentuates the image on display. Optionally, the backing panel may be formed from a sheet of metal such as aluminium. Sheet metal is easy to cut and handle while being rigid. All of these materials are such that the edges can be polished to provide an aesthetic clean appearance.

Advantageously, the backing panel is formed of at least a partially reflective material. A reflective backing panel material further accentuates the floating effect of the image by increasing the apparent depth of the channel.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing of which:

FIGS. 1( a) and 1(b) are illustrations of a prior art image display apparatus with FIG. 1( a) being a cross sectional view and FIG. 1( b) being a perspective view;

FIGS. 2( a) and 2(b) are illustrations of an image display apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention with FIG. 2( a) being a cross sectional view and FIG. 2( b) being a perspective view;

FIGS. 3( a) and 3(b) are illustrations of an image display apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention with FIG. 3( a) being a cross sectional view and FIG. 3( b) being a perspective view;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a cross sectional view of an image display apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a plan view of an image display apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a cross section view of an image display apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an illustration of cross section view of an image display apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 8( a) and 8(b) are illustrations of an image display apparatus according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention with FIG. 8( a) being a cross sectional view and FIG. 8( b) being a perspective view; and

FIG. 9 is an alternative arrangement in cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 8( a).

Reference is initially made to FIGS. 2( a) and 2(b) of the drawings which illustrates an image display apparatus, generally indicated by the reference numeral 10, having a backing panel 12, a first raised portion 14, a second raised portion 16 and a third raised portion 36, an image for display 18 and content 22 for display. According to a first embodiment of the invention, second raised portion 16 is provided with an upper surface 20 on which content 22 relating to and associated with the image for display 18 is provided.

Image 18 is a photograph or other work of art which requires to be displayed. The image 18 is located upon platform 14. In this embodiment, the platform 14 has a length and breadth which matches that of the image 18. It is then simple to locate the image 18 upon the upper surface 24 of the platform 14. Typically there will be an adhesive layer on the surface 24 which is exposed before the surface is affixed thereupon. Once affixed the image 18 cannot be removed for copying purposes. Beneficially, the image 18 is effectively “front loaded” as the apparatus 10 faces the user to mount the image 18.

The platform 14 is a raised section, in this embodiment it is substantially square, but it may be of any two dimensional shape, such as rectangular, circular or oval. The platform 14 is affixed to a backing substrate 12 which is a large flat panel, typically of similar shape to platform 14. The platform 14 is a box affixed to the substrate 12, or may be integral with the substrate 12, to provide an upper surface 44 which sits proud and away from the surface 23 of the substrate 12.

Content 22 is verification data and information associated with the image 18. The verification data can include the signature or mark of the artist that created the image 18, details such as limited edition information and additional content such as technical information relating to the photograph, a title, description or concept data. The content 22 is located upon platform 16. In this embodiment, the platform 16 has a width and breadth which matches content 22. It is then simple to locate the content 22 upon the upper surface 20 of the platform 16. Typically there will be an adhesive layer on the surface 20 which is exposed before the surface is affixed thereupon. Once affixed the content 22 cannot be removed for copying purposes. Beneficially, the content 22, as with the image 18 is effectively “front loaded” as the apparatus 10 faces the user to mount the content 22 and image 18. As the content 22 is then secured to the image display apparatus 10, the content is then securely associated with image 18 thus cannot be removed for fraudulent purposes.

The platform 14 is a raised section, in this embodiment it is substantially square, but it may be of any two dimensional shape, such as rectangular, circular or oval. The platform 14 is affixed to a backing substrate 12. The platform 14 is a box affixed to the substrate 12, or may be integral with the substrate 12, to provide an upper surface 24 which sits proud and away from the surface 23 of the substrate 12.

The platform 16 is a raised section, in this embodiment it is substantially rectangular with a width which corresponds to that of platform 14 and a length which is substantially smaller. These proportions of content 22 can enhance and complement the aesthetic appearance of image 18. However it will be understood that platform 16 may be of any suitable two dimensional shape such as square, rectangular, circular or oval. Platform 16 is also affixed to a backing substrate 12 such that it is abutted against platform 14. The platform 16 is a box affixed to the substrate 12, or may be integral with the substrate 12, to provide an upper surface 24 which sits proud and away from the surface 23 of the substrate 12.

The first platform 14, second platform 16 and substrate 12 are made of rigid durable material. This is distinct from the card and cardboard traditionally used, as these materials would degrade quickly as they are exposed in use and do not have the traditionally glass cover to protect them. The first platform 14 and second platform 16 are, in this case, cut from a sheet of Perspex®. Perspex® is a rigid plastic material which in 2-3 mm thickness provides a substantial ruggedness while still being able to be cut using simple cutting tools such as saws. Once cut, the Perspex® edges can be smoothed and polished.

Platform 36 is substantially ring-shaped or annular to surround the arrangement of the first platform 14 and second platform 16. Platform 36 has an inner edge 34 and an outer edge 35. The third platform 36 is also of a box like construction to provide an upper surface 37 raised above the upper surface 23 of the substrate 12.

The third platform 36 is, in this case, affixed to substrate 12 however, it will understood that it could be integrally formed with substrate 12. The third platform 36 is made of rigid durable material, in this case, cut from a sheet of Perspex® which is a rigid plastic material which, when cut in thicknesses of more than 2 mm, can provide substantial ruggedness while still being easy to cut with simple cutting tools such as a saw. Once cut, the Perspex® edges can be smoothed and polished to create a aesthetically enhanced appearance.

The inner edge 34 of the third platform 36 follows three sides of perimeter 26 of the image 18 and the first platform 14 and three sides of the perimeter 21 of the content 22 and the second platform 16 to entirely enclose the arrangement of the first platform 14 and second platform 16. The shape of the inner edge 34 substantially matches the shape of the outer edge of the arrangement of the image 18 and the first platform 14 and the content 22 and the second platform 16. However, the edges 34 and 26, 21 do not meet and a space or gap 30 is left there between. Ideally, the gap 30 is of uniform width. A base 31 of the gap 30 exposes the surface 23 of the substrate 12.

Substrate 12 is a large flat panel, typically of similar shape to the arrangement of platform 14 and 16 together with platform 36. In this case the substrate 12 extends beyond the perimeter of the arrangement of platform 36. By exposing a perimeter of substrate surface 23 around the third portion 36 this acts to frame the third portion 30 and, due to the difference in heights, the depth creates an impression that the third portion 36 is floating. The floating effect can be enhanced if the substrate surface 23 is reflective or mirrored. This enhances the appearance of the image 18 and content 22 provided on platforms 14, 16 respectively as they have the appearance of “floating” from the third platform 36 which in turn has the appearance of “floating ” from the substrate 12.

In a preferred embodiment, the upper surface of the image 18 and content 22, and the upper surface 37 of the third platform 36, are arranged to project from the surface 23 of the substrate 12 by the same distance. This provides a uniform projected surface to the apparatus 10. The gap 30 gives the effect that the image 18 and content 22 is floating. Additionally, the upper surface 37 of the third platform 36 will appear to float but also appear distinct from the image 18 and content 22 so as to aesthetically enhance and frame the image 18 and content 22. By choosing a colour for third platform based on the colours in the image 18, the image 18 is further enhanced in the same fashion as would be provided by a mounting panel in a traditional picture frame.

The substrate 12 is made of rigid durable material. This is distinct from the card and cardboard traditionally used, as these materials would degrade quickly as they are exposed in use and do not have the traditionally glass cover to protect them. The substrate 12 is, in this case, cut from a sheet of Perspex®. Perspex® is a rigid plastic material which in 2-3 mm thickness provides a substantial ruggedness while still being able to be cut using simple cutting tools such as saws. Once cut, the Perspex® edges can be smoothed and polished. Alternatively the substrate 12 may be formed from a metal sheet such as aluminium. This also provides a highly rugged and durable backing to support the other components of the apparatus 10. The use of Perspex® allows the surface 23 of the substrate 12 to have a colour selected by the user. The surface 23 may also be polished to provide a partially reflective surface 23. Use of a polished metal gives a mirrored surface 23 which is highly reflective.

The substrate 12 acts as a backing panel to support the component parts of the apparatus 10. As the substrate 12 is rigid and durable, the apparatus 10 can be directly mounted upon a wall.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 3( a) and 3(b) which illustrate a second embodiment of the invention wherein the image display apparatus as is closely similar to that illustrated in FIGS. 2( a) and 2(b). In this embodiment, platform 16 is a raised section, in this embodiment it is substantially rectangular with a width which corresponds to that of platform 14 and a length which is substantially smaller. These proportions of content 22 can enhance and complement the aesthetic appearance of image 18. However it will be understood that platform 16 may be of any suitable two dimensional shape such as square, rectangular, circular or oval. Platform 16 is also affixed to a backing substrate 12 such that it is spaced apart from platform 14 and forms a channel 25 therebetween. The platform 16 is a box affixed to the substrate 12, or may be integral with the substrate 12, to provide an upper surface 24 which sits proud and away from the surface 23 of the substrate 12. The effect of the channel between platform 14 and platform 16 acts to further emphasize the floating appearance of the image 18.

In a preferred embodiment, the upper surface of the image 18 and content 22, and the upper surface 37 of the third platform 36, are arranged to project from the surface 23 of the substrate 12 by the same distance. This provides a uniform projected surface to the apparatus 10.

As can be seen in FIG. 4, to further enhance the appearance of the image display apparatus 10, as is illustrated in FIGS. 2( a), 2(b), 3(a) and 3(b), the image 18 and the content 22 may be arranged to overhang the first platform 14 and second platform 16 respectively. The aesthetic appearance of the image 18 and the content 22 are further enhanced by having the effect of floating emphasised by the overhang arrangement.

With reference to FIG. 5 there is shown an image display apparatus 10, closely similar to that illustrated in FIGS. 2( a), 2(b), 3(a) and 3(b) wherein the third raised portion 36 is formed of a plurality of component portions, in this case four component portions 36 a-36 d respectively. The component portions 36 a-36 d are secured to the substrate 22 and arranged so that they abut against one another at joints 39 to create a single raised platform 36 of the desired shape. In this case, component portions 36 a-36 d are all rectangular shaped portions which, when arranged together create an annular rectangular shape. The use of component portions 36 a-36 d means that the waste material created when manufacturing the third platform 36 is minimised as a plurality of the component portions 36 a-36 d can be cut from a single sheet of material therefore avoiding the waste created when a void is cut from a sheet of material to form a single, one piece, annular shape. In turn, the reduction in waste reduces the cost to manufacture of the image display apparatus.

The component portions 36 a-36 d are made of rigid durable material. The component portions 36 a-36 d are, in this case, cut from a sheet of Perspex° which is a rigid plastic material which, when cut in thicknesses of more than 2 mm, can provide substantial ruggedness while still being easy to cut with simple cutting tools such as a saw. Once cut, the Perspex® edges can be smoothed and polished before being abutted against one another therefore minimizing the appearance of joints 35.

As can be seen in FIG. 6, to further enhance the appearance of the image display apparatus 10 as is illustrated in FIG. 2( a), 2(b), 3(a), 3(b), 4 or 5, a mounting panel 40 may be located on the upper surface 37 of the third platform 36.

The mounting panel 40 is made of rigid durable material. This is distinct from the paper and card traditionally used as these materials would degrade quickly as they are exposed in use and do not have the traditional glass cover to protect them. The mounting panel 40 is, in this case, cut from a sheet of Perspex®. Perspex® is a rigid plastic material which in 2-3 mm thickness provides a substantial ruggedness while still being able to be cut using simple cutting tools such as saws. Once cut, the Perspex® edges can be smoothed and polished. Alternatively the mounting panel 40 may be formed from a metal sheet such as aluminium. The use of Perspex® allows the surface 49 of the mounting panel 40 to have a colour selected by the user. The surface 49 may also be polished to provide a partially reflective surface 49. Use of a polished metal gives a mirrored surface 49 which is highly reflective.

The inner edge 44 of the mounting panel 40 follows three sides of perimeter 26 of the image 18 and the first platform 14 and three sides of the perimeter 21 of the content 22 and the second platform 16 to entirely enclose the arrangement of the first platform 14 and second platform 16. The shape of the inner edge 44 substantially matches the shape of the outer edge of the arrangement of the image 18 and the first platform 14 and the content 22 and the second platform 16. However, the edges 44 and 26, 21 do not meet and a space or gap 30 is left there between. Ideally, the gap 30 is of uniform width. A base 31 of the gap 30 exposes the surface 23 of the substrate 12.

In a preferred embodiment, the upper surface of the image 18 and content 22 and the surface 49 of the mounting panel 40 are arranged to project from the surface 23 of the substrate 12 by the same distance. This provides a uniform projected surface to the apparatus 10. The gap 30 gives the effect that the image 18 and content 22 are floating. Additionally, the upper surface 49 of the mounting panel 20 will appear to float but also appear distinct from the image 18 and content 22 so as to aesthetically enhance and frame the image 18 and content 22. By choosing a colour for the panel 40 based on the colours in the image 18, the image 18 is further enhanced in the same fashion as would be provided by a mounting panel in a traditional picture frame.

The floating appearance of the panel 40 is further enhanced using techniques which have been described with reference to the upper surface 37 of the third platform 36 detailed above.

Whilst it will be appreciated that panel 40 may be cut to fit the upper surface 37 of third platform 36 exactly, as can be seen, in the illustrated embodiment, the raised portions 36 does not extend to meet the edges of the mounting panel 40. Thus the inner edge 46 and the outer edge 45 of the panel 40 overhang the upper surface 37 of the third raised portion 36. The overhang of the mounting panel 40 over second raised portion 36 further ensures that any visible joints 39 caused by the arrangement of component platforms 36 a-36 d in forming second platform 16 are obscured from general view. By making the panel 20 of a rigid, durable, material, the overhanging portions are less likely to be damaged. To provide a similar rigidity to the image 18, a supporting panel 60 can be located between the image 18 and the first raised platform 14, the panel 60 being sized to match the area of the image 18 so that it is fully supported.

It will be appreciated that although not illustrated, the outer edge 24 of the image 18 can be arranged to overhang the surface 15 of the platform 14. Similarly, the outer edge 21 of the content 22 can be arranged to overhang the surface 20.

Reference is now made to FIG. 7 which illustrates a sixth embodiment of the invention wherein the image display apparatus 110 similar to that described with reference to FIGS. 2( a), (2 b), 3(a), 3(b), 4, 5 and 6 is provided with a frame 111 and like parts of the apparatus 110 with apparatus 10 have been given the same reference numerals to aid clarity. Frame 111 is of a know type as described in relation to the prior art shown in FIG. 1. In cross section, the top, bottom and sides of the frame 111 are provided by a moulding having a substantially rectangular form. In the embodiment described, the height of the moulding decreases from the outer edge of the moulding to the inner edge, although this may be altered to alter the appearance of the frame 111.

A recess 112 is provided in the frame 111 within which the third raised portion 36 is arranged. The inner edge 158 of the frame 111 is selected to extend to correspond with an outer edge 25 of the third raised portion 36. This then creates a gap 130 between the inner edges 158 and 26 of the frame 111 and the third raised portion 36 which exposes the surface 23 of substrate 12. The presence of gap 130 as well as gap 30 accentuates the third raised portion 36, the image 18 and content 22 and gives the appearance of the third raised portion 36, image 18 and content 22 floating within the frame 111. As with the previous described embodiments, second raised portion 36 may be formed of a plurality of component portions.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 8( a) and 8(b) which illustrate a seventh embodiment of the invention wherein the image display apparatus 210 similar to that described with reference to FIGS. 2( a), (2 b), 3(a), 3(b), 4, 5 and 6 is provided with a display panel 211 and like parts of the apparatus 210 with apparatus 10 have been given the same reference numerals to aid clarity. In the display 210, a fourth raised portion 213 is provided on an opposite side of the image 18. Upon the fourth raised portion is located a display panel 215. The display panel 215 is of the same material and colour as the content 22, so that they appear to balance the image 18 when displayed. The display panel 215 may contain additional content if desired. In this apparatus 210, the mounting panel 40 is made of Perspex®. Additionally, the image 18, content 22 and display panel 215 are also covered in clear Perspex®. This covering extends only to the edge of the image 18, content 22 and display panel 215. It protects the image 18, content 22 and display panel 215 and makes the apparatus 210 more durable and rigid. It also provides the display 210 with a uniform surface type i.e. Perspex® where the image 18, content 22, display panel 215 and mounting panel 40 are all at the same height from the substrate 12.

Reference is now made to FIG. 9 which shows an alternative arrangement of the seventh embodiment shown in FIGS. 8( a) and 8(b). It is seen here that the first, second and fourth raised portions have been combined into a single raised portion or platform 217. The gap 30 remains around the perimeter to give the effect that the image 18, content 22 and display panel 215 are floating together. The image 18, content 22 and display panel 215 are positioned a short distance from each other and the space is filled with a material such as an aluminium or gold coloured strip 219. The strip 219 adds further aesthetic appeal to the display apparatus 210. Alternatively, the image 18, content 22 and display panel 215 may be abutted together or the distance left to display the colour of the surface 221 of the raised portion 217. In this way it is apparent that the apparatus 10 in FIGS. 2( a) and 2(b) could also be formed with a single platform.

The principal advantages of the present invention are that it provides an image display apparatus which can be front loaded and associated content can similarly be front loaded without defacing or damaging the image being displayed. The arrangement, prevents the image being copied and removed, prevents the content from being removed from or dissociated with the image and provides the illusion of the image appearing to float, may enhance the image by way of a coloured surround or mounting panel which may also appear to float and wherein the surround, or second raised portion and if desired the mount may be manufactured in a way which minimises waste and reduces production costs.

A further advantage of at least one embodiment of the present invention is that it provides an image display apparatus which does not require a frame for presentation by a frame may be used if so desired.

Yet a further advantage of the present invention is that it provides an image display apparatus which uses new materials in the form of plastics and metals in a way in which production costs can minimised and waste produced can also be minimised yet while benefiting from the use of rugged materials that mean there is no requirement for a glass cover to protect the image and display apparatus arrangement.

It will be appreciated to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made to the invention herein described without departing from the scope thereof. For example, various numbers of images 18 can be used upon a backing panel 12 and provided with associated content. The various numbers of image and content arrangements can be surrounded with various numbers of third raised portions 16 or mounting panels 20. The third raised portions or mounting panels can be formed of a plurality of component portions which are arranged to abut together to give the appearance of discreet third raised portions or mounting panels thus minimising production costs of the apparatus. Also, the shapes of the edges of the image, content and the third raised portion and mounting panel need not be square, rectangular, oval or circular but may equally be of a free form or alternative geometric shapes so long as a shadow gap is left between the image and content and the third raised platform or mounting panel. 

1. An image display apparatus comprising: a backing panel; a first raised portion located on the panel, the first raised portion having an image for display secured thereon; a second raised portion located on the panel, the second raised portion having an upper surface upon which is secured content for display; and a third raised portion located on the panel; wherein the second raised portion is arranged adjacent to the first raised portion and each third raised portion has at least one inner edge arranged to surround a perimeter of the first raised portion and the second raised portion arrangement such that the first raised portion and the second raised portion arrangement is located within, and spaced apart from, said third raised portion to create a channel therebetween.
 2. An image display apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein a first edge of the second raised portion is arranged adjacent to a first edge of the first raised portion such that the second raised portion abuts against the first raised portion.
 3. An image display apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first edge of the second raised portion is arranged adjacent to and spaced apart from the first edge of the first raised to portion to create a channel therebetween.
 4. An image display apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the apparatus further comprises a fourth raised portion having an upper surface upon which is secured a display panel, the fourth raised portion being arranged adjacent to the first raised portion on an opposite side to the second raised portion and each third raised portion has at least one inner edge arranged to surround a perimeter of the first raised portion, the second raised portion and the fourth raised portion arrangement such that the first raised portion, the second raised portion and the fourth raised portion arrangement is located within, and spaced apart from, said third raised portion to create a channel therebetween.
 5. An image display apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein at least one of said raised portions is formed of a rigid durable material.
 6. An image display apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein said rigid durable material is a sheet of plastic.
 7. An image display apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein at least one of said third raised portions is formed of two or more component portions.
 8. An image display apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein each third raised portion has an upper surface to which a mounting panel is secured.
 9. An image display apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein each mounting panel has at least one inner edge arranged to surround a perimeter of the first raised portion and the second raised portion such that each image and content is located within and spaced apart from a mounting panel such that a channel is created therebetween.
 10. An image display apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the image is arranged to overhang the edge of the first raised portion.
 11. An image display apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the content is arranged to overhang the edge of the second raised portion.
 12. An image display apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein the mounting panel is arranged to overhang the third raised portion.
 13. An image display apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the backing panel is formed of a rigid durable material.
 14. An image display apparatus as claimed in claim 1, the apparatus further comprising: a frame, the frame being secured to the backing panel and sized to provide a channel between the outer edge of the third raised portion and the inner edge of the frame.
 15. An image display apparatus of claim 1 wherein the backing panel is formed of at least a partially reflective material. 